Arawale national reserve is located in the North-Eastern Province, in Garissa district, 5 km from the left bank of the Tana River. Arawale was gazetted in 1973 covering an extension of 533 km² and with the primary purpose of protecting a rare antelope species, which is found only in this region, the Hirola or Hunter's hartebeest. The landscape in this area is mostly a dry thornbush savannah.

Hunter's hartebeest or Hirola (Damaliscus hunteri), a slender antelope with lyre-shaped horns, is the reserve's main asset. This rare and shy antelope is very seriously endangered. Its territory extends to the Somali border, but the population is very scarce and sightings are infrequent. The reserve also hosts some elephants, giraffe, Grevy's zebras, lesser kudu, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles.

There is no accommodation available at the reserve. The nearest hotels are in Garissa, northward, and Garsen, southward, but both towns are quite far away from Arawale, so camping is the best option.